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1 c HAWKINS. STAMP VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLED NOV. 20, 1916. 1,391,775, PatentedSept. 27, 1921. 6 SHEETS-SHEET \-v Q: wm V m u u b PQ E Q: N m M mn n51. ME N mm 3 T? v OI.

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STAMP VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILE-D NOV 20, I916- Patentedsept. 27,1921.

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1 c HAWKINS. STAMP VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 20, I915- PatentedSept. 27,1921.

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. ONNHWN WMQh 1'0 HAWKINS.

STAMP VENDING MACHINE.

' APPLICATION FILED- NOV.- 20, 1916. 1,391,775. P w p 27, 1921.

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1 c HAWKINS. STAMP VENDING MACHINE- I APPLICATION FILED NOV-20, 1916. 1,391,775..

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v .F 3 9% sh i Q Patented Sept. 27, 1921.

N wwmc m3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIUZ.

J c HAWKINS, or NEWTON, Iowa, ASSIGNOR T0 CLIPLESS PAPER FAsTENER oom- PANY me, or NEWTON, Iowa,

STAMP-VENDING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 27, 1921.

To ailZ whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, J G HAWKINS, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Newton, in the county of Jasper and State of Iowa, have invented a certain new and useful Stamp-Vending Machine, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a machine for vending stamps.

A further object is to provide a machine of the general class mentioned, adapted-to be operated when a coin or coins have been dropped into a slot or slots, for delivering a predetermined number of stamps,.according to the value of the stamps and the value of the money deposited in the machine.

A further object is to provide such a machine capable, with very slight change in the parts, of selling stamps at their face value ortof selling stamps at such a price that a small profit may be made on the sales.

A further object is to provide sucha machin so constructed and arranged that the gummed face of the stamps will rest and travel on non-heat conducting material such as wood or other material of non-heat conducting quality, which is not likely to collect moisture and thereby cause the stamps to stick.

. A further object is to provide such a machine having means for automatically cutting off a predetermined number of stamps after the stamps have been moved a certain distance, and delivering them to a suitable receptacle.

Still a further object is to provide means for preventing access to the stamps being sold while said stamps are connected with other stamps in the machine.

A further objectis to provide a suitable means for kicking off the stamps after they are severed from the main supply, so that they will not stick to the mechanism on account of static electricity or from other causes.

A further object is to provide in such a machine, suitable mechanism adapted to be actuated by coins.

Still a further object is to provide such a machine so constructed and'arranged as to be actuated by coins of different values for delivering the proper number of and value of stamps, according to the value of the coin deposited. 7

Still a further object is toprovide such a machine adapted to hold stamps in rolls, having means arranged to straighten out the stamps and take the curve out of them before they are delivered to the vending and cutting mechanism.

A further object is to provide in such a machine new and novel mechanism for adyancing the stamps to their delivery posiion.

A further object is to provide in such a machine means for automatically locking the machine against further operations when the supply of stamps is exhausted.

Still a further object is to provide such a machine having coin receiving openings, and to provide means for closing said openings after coins have been deposited therein, during the operation of the machine.

Still a further object is to provide new and novel means and mechanism for selecting the correct coin or coins for the operation of the machine for a predetermined stamp or stamps eliminating all incorrect coins from operating the machine.

lVith these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims,

and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a top or plan View of the machine with the top cover plate removed,

the coin chute being shown in horizontal section, taken on the line 11 of Fig. 3.

Fig; 2 shows a central, vertical, sectional view through the machine. 7

Fig. 3 shows a side elevation of the machin with one side plate removed, the main operating shaft being shown in vertical section.

Fig. 4 shows a vertical, transverse, sectional view taken 011 the line 4 4L of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a vertical, transverse, sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 shows a horizontal, sectional view, taken on the line 66 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of a slightly modified form of part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a detail, sectional view of part of the coin receiving and operated mechanism.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective View of part of the coin operated and receiving mechanism.

Fig. shows a vertical, sectional detail view, taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 shows a vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 1111 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 12 shows a detail, sectional view, taken on the line 1212 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 13 shows a vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 1313 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 shows a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 1414 of "Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 shows a detail, plan view of the stamp holding plate adapted to hold the stamps in position as they travel outwardly.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the metal member having the channels in which the non-heat conducting strips for supporting the stamps are received and with the transverse slots to register with the stamp feed fingers or pawls.

Fig. 17 shows an end view of the same.

My improved stamp vending machine is preferably made with a suitable case comprising a bottom member which I have indicated in the illustration of my invention, shown in the accompanying drawings, by the reference character 10, and having the rear wall 11, a front wall 12, and side walls 13, and a top or cover plate 14.

Rotatably and removably mounted in the upper rear end of the machine near each side thereof, is a shaft 15, on the ends of which are collars 16, detachably mounted and held in position by any suitable means, such as cotter pins 17. The collars 16 each have a plurality of radially extended arms 18.

On each shaft 15 is a roll of stamps 19. A roller weight 20 is pivotally mounted on the frame by means of the arms or the like 21, and rests upon the roll of stamps 19.

In the cover plate 14 is a plurality of slots for. admitting different sized coins into the machine. Each slot is of the exact width of the thickness and of the exact length of the diameter of the coin intended for operating the machine through said designated slot. In the present machine 1 preferably provide a slot 22 to receive five cent pieces,-

slot 23 for one cent pieces, a slot 24 for ten cent pieces, a slot 25 for five cent pieces, and a slot 26 for two one ent pieces.

Filidably mounted beneath the cover plate 14 is the coin chute supporting plate 27. A spring 28 secured to a bracket- 29 on the cover plate 14 and to a lug 30 on the supporting plate 27, normally holds the plate 27 in position for closing the various coin slots which open into the coin chutes, hereafter described.

The plate 27 is provided with suitable slots adapted in one position of said plate to register with the coin slots in the cover plate 14, and also with elongated slots 27 and 27 through which extend the bracket 29 and a screw 31 (Fig. 2). At the upper rear end of the plate 27 is a downwardly extending lug 33.

Extending downwardly from the various coin slot openings in the plate 27 are coin guide chutes. The chutes which receive the coin passed through the coin slots 22 to 26 are numbered 22*, 23 24 25 and 26 respectively.

Longitudinally extending through the machine, preferably mounted in the front and rear wall thereof, are spaced supporting and guide rods 34. Between the guide rods 34 there is arranged a horizontal plate 35 having at its ends downwardly extending flanges 36 and laterally extending ears 37 slidably mounted on the rods 34. Below the plate 35 and secured between the respective flanges 36 is a plate 38. The plate 35 is provided at its forward and rearward ends-respectively with upwardly extending flanges 39 and 40. The plates 35 and 38 form what might be called a coin carriage, adapted to slide horizontally forwardly and rearwardly in the machine.

Pivoted between its ends ona bracket 44 on the rear wall 11 is a lever 45, one end of which extends upwardly to position engaging the lug 33, and the other end of which extendsdownwardly and stands in the path of the flange 40. When the parts sustaining the flange are at the rearward limit of their movement. the flange 40 engages the lower arm of the lever 45 and causes the upper arm of the lever 45 to move the plate 27 against the tension of the spring 28 to position where the coin chute slot openings in the coin supporting plate 27 register with the coin slot openings in the cover plate 14. The coin slot openings in the plate 27 are of the exact sizes of the coin slot openings in the cover plate 14.

The plate 35 is provided with a plurality of coin openings or passages 51, so arranged as to standbelow the respective coin chutes hereinbefore referred to, when the plate is at the rearward position of its movement.

The plate 38 is also provided with a plurality of coin passages or slots 52, arranged be ow the respective s ots 51 of the plate 35. The coin slots 52 are equipped with coin holding and releasing mechanism, (see Figs. 8, 9 and 11).

Centrally arranged on the upper surface of the plate 35 is a longitudinal row of teeth 41. At each end of the row of teeth 41 is an opening 42 which may extend through the plate 35. Pivotally supported on the bracket 29 is a pawl 43. The pawl 43 is so arranged with relation to the plate that when the plate is at the rearward limit of its movement the pawl 43 drops into the forward opening 42. V

When the plate 35 starts on its forward movement, the pawl 43 engages the teeth 41 and locks the plate 35 against any return movement until its full forward stroke or movement has been completed and the pawl 43 drops into the rearward opening 42.

The lower central surface of the plate 38 is provided with rack teeth 46, arranged longitudinally in the machine.

Extending transversely through the chine, preferably near the lower portion thereof, is a main operating shaft 47, mounted on which in the central part of the machine is a toothed sector 48 which meshes with the rack teeth 46. On the shaft 47 on opposite sides of the sector 48, are fixed arms 49. Secured to one of the i.) and tothe casing of the machine is a powerful coil spring 50, shown in Fig. 1, which tends to hold the arms 49 on the shaft 47 in such position as to hold the plates 38 and 35 at the rearward limit of their movement.

Located preferably at the rear of each coin receiving slot in the plate 38 is a coin selecting mechanism, which mechanism also retains the coin in the slots during the forward operation of the machine, and dis-v charges the coin during the rearward operation of the machine. (See Figs. 8 and 9.)

Rotatably mounted in the plate 38 at the rear end of each coin slot 52, except that below the chute 26 and partially received in said slot, as shown in Fig. 8, is a shaft 54 having on the end outside the plate 38 an arm 55 normally hanging downwardly by gravity. The shaft 54 has a flat faced notch 56 a little wider than the coin to be used milled on the under side of said shaft 54, in that part of the shaft opposite the slot 52.

The notch 56 is located at such a point on the shaft 54 that when the arm 55 is moved forward and upwardly to horizontal position, the notch 56 will register with the coin holding slot 52.

It will be seen that when the shaft 54 stands in its normal position, shown in Fig. 8, it engages a coin 57 passing downwardly into the coin holding slot 52 and prevents the passage thereof until the shaft 54 is rotated to the position where the notch 56 receives the edge of the coin 57, thereby permitting the coin to drop -'=freely.

Suitably arranged adjacent to each arm 55 is a pin 127, whereby the rearward movement of said arm is limited. The arm 55 in Fig. 8 is shown in dotted lines. The form of the shaft and the arm for all coin holding slots and the operation thereof is the same.

For the purpose of discriminating between tion of my machine, as against those coins oi.

diameter of the coin intended for the operation of the machine from and through the particular slot. That is to say; the slot 22 for the one cent piece is limited to the exact width and t0 the exact length of the thickness and diameter of the one cent piece, and the slots 22 and 'ii'lliCil receive iive cent pieces are of the exact width and of the exact length of the diameter of the live cent piece, and the same limitation is made in the formation of the slot 24 for a ten cent piece, and for the other penny slot 26. By limiting the size of the respective slots in the cover plate 14 to the size of the respective coins to be used therein no coin of greater width or of greater diameter can he made to operate the machine.

Having limited the slots in the corer plate 14 to accept no coin of greater width or of greater diameter than the coin intended for the aarticular slot, it is necessary for the selection of coins for t e operation of the machine to limit tie length of the iolding slot 52 in the plate 38, when the shaft in normal position, as shown in Fig. 8, to the retaining of coins only of t correct diameter for the operation of the machine. This requirement has been provided for in my invention by setting the shaft 54 when in normal position, as shown in 8, with the arm 55 hanging down and the notch 56 in horizontal position, at such a distance wardly from the front wall of the slot in the plate that the coin 5'? is prei 'cnted from passing tl rough said slot by being eld just under its extreme diameter between the forward wall of the slot 52 and the shaft 54, as shown in Fig. 8. l: have found it practical to make this limitation up to within live one thousandths of an inch of the exact diameter of the coin intended for the operation. It will thus be noted that coin of less diameter than as above limited, will pass the coin retaining shaft 54 in the slot 52 and not be held thereby, and will 1 therefore fail to operate the machine.

Secured to the lower surface of the plate 38, below the slot opening 52 therein which receives coins from the chute 26 is a tubular extension 53, (Fig. 11,) provided with a making it practicable to deposit two onecent pieces in the slot 26, and obtain one two-cent stamp.

in this connection it will be noted that the shafts 54 in all cases, are so arranged as to hold coins received in and between the coin carriage plates 85 and 38, for the operation of the stamp feed mechanism.

I will now describe the means for swinging the shaft 5% by its arm to position for allowing the coins to drop downwardly after they have operated the stamp feed mechanism l have provided a catch member 128 suitably pivoted at its lower end to the plate 58, and arranged with its upper end in the path of travel of each arm 55. The rear upper surface of each catch member 123 is beveled at 124. A. spring 125 holds the catch memher 123 at the rearward limit of its movement, and the rearward movement of said catch member is limited by a stop pin 126.

On the forward movement of the plates 35 and 38 each arm 55 engages the beveled surface of one of the catch members 123, thereby pushing the member 123 forwardly until the arm 55 clears said catch member.

On the rearward movement of the coin carriage plates 35 and 38 the rearward surfaces of the arms 55 engage the catch members 123, and insomuch as the pins 126 limit the rearward movement of said catch members, the shaft 54: is rotated until the notch 56 is moved to position for allowing the coin 57 to clear and pass downwardly. The coins when dropped pass into the chute 128 and finally into a suitable receptacle 129.

T will now describe the means adapted to be actuated by the coins dropped into the machine and received and held between the coin carriage plates 35 and 38, for advancing, cutting off and delivering the proper number of stamps of the desired denominations.

In this connection it will be noted that there are two rolls of stamps, preferably a roll of one-cent stamps and a roll of two cent stamps located on opposite sides of the machine. The construction and operation of the parts now about to be described are duplicated on opposite sides of the machine, with the exceptions to be specifically noted, and I will therefore for the sake of brevity, describe in detail the construction of the stamp controlling mechanism on one side of the machine only.

Suitably mounted, preferably forwardly and below each roll of stamps, is a pair of horizontally spaced guide plates or walls 58. Received between the lower parts of the spaced walls 58, is a longitudinally arranged bar or the like 59, having a central, longitudinal, upwardly extending rib on its upper surface. The plates 58 are provided with longitudinally elongated openings 61.

It will be noted that between the ribs 60 and the plates 58, on each side of said rib are formed longitudinally arranged rabbets 62. Received in the rabbets 62 and extending longitudinally there-in, are strips of wood or the like 63, spaced from the bottoms and sides of said rabbets and from the plates 58 and extending upwardly to position above the level of the rib 60. In this connection it may be mentioned that the upper surface'of the rib 60 is substantially on a level with the lower edges of the slots 61. The strips 63 are held in position by transversely arranged pins 64: extending through the plates 58 and the rib 60 near the ends of said plates.

Resting upon th upper surface of the strips 63 is a est-angular frame 65 made of non-heat conducting material having a central opening 66 above the space between the strips 63, longitudinally elongated and extending to a point near the rearward and forward ends respectively of the plates 58. At its rearward end the frame 65 is curved upwardly at 67. The rib60 and the strips 63 extend rearwardly beyond the bar 59 and the upper surfaces of their extended portions are curved downwardly at 60 and 63 as shown in Figs. 3 and 13. The portion 67 and the curved surfaces, just mentioned, form guides for inserting stamps between the frame 65and the strips 63.

The plates 58 are connected at their upper edges near their forward and rearward ends by a member 69. Between the member 69 and the ends of the frame 65 are mounted springs 70, the tension of which may be varied by means of set screws 71 mounted in the member 69 and engaging said springs.

It will be seen that by means of the springs the frame 65 is yieldably pressed'against the wooden or non-heat conducting strips 63. In this connection it may be mentioned that the strips 63 are made of wood or other nonheat conducting material, which is not likely to collect moisture, so that the gummed sides of the stamps travel on the members 63 without adhering thereto.

Just below each roll of stamps 19, Fig. 3, is an idler guide roller 72, rearwardly of and below which is a similar guide roller 73. The stamps are threaded downwardly from the roll 19 beneath the roller 72., thence rearwardly and around the similar. roller 7 3, thence forwardly in the machine between the frame 65 and the non-heat conducting strips 68.

I will now describe the means for advanc ing the stamps. Slidably mounted between the plates 58 is what I will call a stamp feed member or stamp mover, which is constructed as follows;

Resting upon the upper surface of the bar 59 is a metal device 74, Figs. 17 and 16, which fits the upper surface of the bar 59 and rib 60, and is provided with upwardly opening channels which receive the non heat conducting strips 63. It will be understood that the member 74: is adapted to slide. freely. The member 74 has laterally extended portions 74* that rest above the lower edges of the slots 61 in the plates 58, and a central portion 7 4: between the channels,

which rests and slides upon the rib 60. In-

the central portion 74! are transverse slots 74; spaced apart the distance of the space between two successive rows of perforations 1n the stamps, and also to permit points of the pawls to be drawn back of the transverse slot 74 so that the points or ends of the pawls 77 will rest upon the stamps between the perforations thereof, above the member 7& The transverse slots 7% are directly below the points of the pawls 77 when the upper member of the stamp mover 75 has in its forward movement contacted with the stop member 189. Before moving the member 75 forward on the member 7 4 to the stop 139, the points of the pawls 77 will be resting midway between the rows of stamp perforations 78. The first effect of the advancing movement of the member 75 on the member 74 is to bring the points of the pawls directly over the transverse slots 74". The advance movement of the stamp mover causes the points of the pawls 77 to slide along the stamps between the perforations 78 and into the slots 74 and by continuing the forward movement of the stamp mover, the stamps will be forced forward a predetermined distance, as will be more fully described.

Before the forward operation of the machine commences, the pawls 77 rest on the surface of the stamps between the rows of perfo'rations, and above the solid central portion 74 so that the pawls will not, by resting upon the stamps for a considerable length of time, embed their points in the stamps between the perforations and thus in the final movement feed the stamps from the embedded points and not from the perforations.

The use of the slots 74 permits the pawls 77 to pass into the perforations in the stamps and not slip over them.

When the member 75 is at its rearward position, the member 7a is at its forward posi tion, with relation thereto.

741 is a retarding friction spring received in a slot 743 in the rib 60, arranged to press against the member 7 4: for holding it yieldingly while the member 75 slides thereon, until it reaches the stop member 139.

Pivotally mounted on transverse pins 7 7 a in the upper portion of thestamp mover 75 and hanging downwardly are two rows of pawls 77. Each row contains a plurality of pawls which are inclined downwardly and forwardly in the machine, and each row is substantially as wide as the opening in the frame 65. The lower ends of the pawls 77 extend downwardly into said opening 66.

It will be understood thatthe rows of awls 77 are set apart a distance equal to the distance between two rows of the perforations of the stamps.

Resting above the member 75 is a plate 79 which extends forwardly beyond the member 75 and is provided in its upper surface with a plurality of openings 7 80 designed to receive screws 81 of smaller diameter than said openings, screwed into the member 75 and having comparatively large sized hear s, as shown in 13 so that some adjustment of the member 79 on the member 75 is permitted. The plates 79 are provided near their forward ends with upwardly ex tending pins 82, and also near the forward ends of the plate 79 are transverse drill holes 84 set apart from one another the distance between two rows ofthe perforations of the stamps. These drill holes are for the insertion of coin engaging rods, more fully described later.

Secured to the plate 35 at its forward end is a rod or bag 83, the ends or ears of which project laterally beyond the plate 85 into the oaths of the pins 82, forwardly thereof.

Ailjustably mounted in the holes 8 1 and held by set screws 89 and 91 are situated coin engaging rods 8 1 and 85, Fig. 6, adapted to extend laterally from the arm member 79 between the plates 35 and 38, and to stand in the path of the coins between said plates. By varying the shapes and positions of said coin engaging rods the number and kind of -stamps delivered for the coin deposited may be varied and controlled.

In Fig. 6, I have shown the coin engaging rods of such a kind and shape and so arranged as to deliver stamps up to the full value of the money deposited.

In Fig. 7, I have shown different shaped and a slightly different arrangement of said coin engaging rods 132, 137, 135, 136, for delivering stamps to such an amount relative to the value of the coin deposited as to allow the owner of the machine a slight profit.

It will be noted that the rod 84 has an offset portion 86 at its end and that the rod 85 has a crank 87 at its free end. It will also be noted that the plate 88 has near its rear end on its upper surface, an inclined upwardly extending flange 88.

In this connection it may be mentioned that the rod 84: is held in position by means of a set-screw 89 and that theolf-set portion 86 in the forward movement of the plate 88 clears the upper surface of the flange 88, and that the rod 85 is rotatably but non-slidably mounted, being provided with an annular groove 90 which receives one end of the setscrew 91. (Fig. 10.)

In Fig. 7 I have shown a slightly modified form of the coin engaging rods or arms. Instead of the rod 85 I have shown a comparatively short rod 137 which stands in the path of the coin dropped from the slots 25 and 26, but does not extend into the path of the coin dropped from the slot 24.

Forwardly of the rod 137 is mounted a rod or arm 132 extending into the path of the coin dropped from the coin chute 24, and having at its inner end a rearward extension 133, at the rear end of which is a laterally extending portion 134 adapted to raise and slide on the inclined flange 88. Instead of the rod or arm 84, I have provided a comparatively short rod 135 arranged in the path of the coin dropped from the slot 23.

Forward of the rod 135 is a rod or arm 136 standing in the path of the coin dropped from the slot 22 and having at its free end an off-set portion 136 the same as on the arm 84, shown in Fig. 6, and held in position in the plate 79 in the same manner. The arm 132 is rotatably mounted similarly to the rod 85.

It will be noted that as the coin engaging rods or arms, above described, stand in the path of the travel of the coins held between the coin plates 38 and when a coin is dropped into any one of the coin receiving slots and is retained between the plates 35 and 38, and said plates are moved forward in the machine, the coin contacting with its proper coin engaging rod or arm will move the stamp mover forward thus forcing the stamps forward in the machine the required distance. The details of this operation will 1 be hereinafter more fully explained.

At the forward or delivery end of each stamp feed device, is a suitable cutting-off mechanism. Mounted upon the forward con necting member 69 is a stationary knife 92, provided with a slot 93,v through which the stamps pass, the lower side of said slot 93 being beveled backwardly and downwardly from the front surface forming a sharp knife cutting edge. (Figs. 4 and 13 Adjacent to each slot 93 is knife 96, normally standing just below the level of each slot 93, having at its inner end a downwardly extending arm 94 pivoted between its ends on the member 69. The lower ends of the respective arms 94, on the opposite sides of the machine, are connected by a coil spring 95. The cutting edge of the laterally extending knife blade 96 is normally held by the spring 95 in position below the slot 93 and cutting edge of the stationary knife. Springs 130, Fig. 3, are secured to the outer ends of the knives96 and to the outer plates 58 and hold the movable knives snugly against the stationary knives to insure a shear cut of the stamps.

For controlling the cutting-off knives 96 I have provided the following mechanism.

Near the forward part of the machine on each side thereof, is a suitably mounted shaft 97. On each of the shafts 97 is a sector 98. On one side of each sector 98 is a roller 99, and on the opposite side thereof are spaced rollers 100 and 141. Pivoted on each arm 49 is a forwardly extending link device 101, having at its forward corner a notch 102, which when the machine is in it inoperative position, receives the adjacent roller 100. Each link 101 has in its lower edge a notch or slot 109 extending upwardly into the link and thence toward the arm 49. Each link 101 has also in its lower edge, between the slot 109 and the arm 49 a notch 1.08.

Pivoted'on the frame on each side thereof near the respective sectors 98, is a cam-- faced lever 103 having a downwardly projecting point 104 with beveled edges 105 on ach side thereof. Each cam-faced lever 103 is pivoted at its rear end to the frame of the machine and is arranged so that when the machine is inoperative and the parts are in normal position the roller 99 stands below the rear beveled edge 1'05. Pivoted to the forward end of each lever 103 is an upwardly extending link 106 hav' ing in its upper end a slot 107 which re eives the end of the knife 96, as shown in 2, 3 and 4.

Pivotally mounted on the lower portion of the knife 92 below the central part of each slot 93 as shown in Fig. 4, is a kick-off device comprising a centrally pivoted bell crank lever 110, one arm of which is adapt ed to swing across the slot 93 and the other arm of which is extended through a slot 111 in the adjacent link 106. The slot 111 is a little wider and longer than the end of the lever 110 received therein, so as to allow some play of the lever in the slot, as will hereinafter be referred to. The other arm of the lever 110 normally stands extended adjacent to the slot 93.

Pivotally mounted on the machine on a shaft 113 is a cover plate barrier 114, normally hanging downwardly by force of gravity. adiacent to the rear wall of the interior of the stamp delivery chute 119., as shown in Fig. 2 Extending upwardly and rearwardly in the machine from the shaft 113 and operatively connected with the cover plate barrier 114 is a lever 115, the rear end of which is bent downwardly at 116. The parts just described are so arranged that when the sector 48 is operated for moving the plates 35 and forwardly in the machine. the sector will. engage the portion 116 of the'lever 115, thereby swinging the cover plate carrier 114 upwardly to form a partition in the chute 11.2 below the slots 93, so that a customer cannot insert his hand upwardly into the chute 112 and grasp the stamps that have been fed out through the slot 93 before they are cut off and thereby pull out the entire roll of stamps.

I have provided means for locking the machine against -operation when the supply of stamps has run out, themeans being the same on each side of the machine for ca 1h roll of stamps.

' Pivotally mounted, preferably on one of the plates 58 between its ends, is a lever 117, the forward end of which has a hook member 118. A coacting hook member 119 1s formed on the upper end of the arm 49, as shown in Fig. 3.

Pivotally mounted between its ends rearwardly of the pivot point of the lever 117 is a lever 120. A link 121 is pivoted to the forward end of the lever 120 and to the rearward end of the lever 117. On the rearward end of the lever 120 is laterally extended a roller 122 resting upon the stamps between the roller 73 and the stamp feeding mechanism. The rear end of the lever 120 is considerably heavier than the forward end thereof, and is held up by the stamps in such a way as to hold the forward end of the lever 117 up and away from engagement with the catch member 119.

If the stamps should cease to be fed over the roller 73, the rear end of the lever 120 will drop, thereby lowering the forward end of the lever 117, causing the hook member 118 to engage the hook member 119, thereby locking. the'arm 49 and shaft 47 against movement.

In the practical operation of my improved stamp vending machine the rolls of stamps are installed in the machine and the strip of stamps from each roll is threaded over the rollers 72 and 73 between the frame 65 and the non-heat conducting strips 63, until the first stamp is adjacent eratin the sector 48 which meshes with the teeth 46, thereby movingthe plates 35 and 38 forwardly in the machine. As soon as this movement begins, the pawl 43 engages the teeth 41 and prevents any rearward movement of said plates until they have made their complete forward stroke and the pawl 43 drops into the rearward opening 42. The plates 35 and 38 move forwardly through four stamp spaces, being the distance between the perforations in four stamps, before the coin which has been deposited contacts with'and engages the arm 84. Theplates 35 and 38 on each operation of the machine. move forward five stamp spaces. When the coin engages the arm 84 the stamp feed operating mechanism is moved forward one stamp space, and a onecent stamp will be discharged through the opening 93 in the stationary knife 92 with the rearward perforation of this stamp over the cutting edge 93 of the stationary knife 92.

The pawls 77 rest midway between the rows of perforations in the stamps 19 before the operation begins. The first movement of the upper stamp feeding member 75 will be to carry it forward on the lower stamp feeding member 74 until it contacts with the stop member 139, which brings the points of the pawls 77 directly over transverse slots 74 in the member 74. Then as the stamp feed members 74 and 7 5 continue in their movement forwardly, the stamps are frictionally held between the non-heat conducting member 65 and the non-heat conducting strips 63, the pawls 77 drop between the perforations of the stamps by reason of the transverse slots 7 4, and move the stamps forward.

As the shaft 47 is rotated, the arms 49 swing forwardly carrying with them the levers 101, the notches 102 of said levers being in engagement with the rollers 100. The sectors 98 are thereby moved forwardly causing the rollers 99 to engage the beveled surfaces 105 and to pass the point 104. As the rollers move along the surface of the rearward beveled surface 105, the members 103 are raised, thereby raising the member 106 and lifting the movable knives 96 above the slots 93 in the stationary knives 92. Toward the finish of the forward movement of the sector 48, the sector engages the portion 116 of the lever 115, thereby raising the cover-plate barrier 114, so that the hand of the purchaser cannot be inserted into the machine to the position for grasping the I stamps.

Near the end of the forward stroke of the arms 49 the lower edg 142 of the lever 101 engages and travels on the roller 141 and as the sector 98 continues to turn forward the lever 101 is raised causing the notch 102 to clear the roller 100, and the lever 101 moves forwardly until the roller 141 enters the notch 108.

On the forward movement of the plates 35 and 38 the operating arm 55 of each coin holding and releasing shaft 54 engages the beveled surface of a catch member 123, thereby pushing the member 123 forwardly and downwardly until the arm 55 clears said catch member.

At the beginning of the operation of the machine, the cam faced lever 103 acts promptly enough and before the pawls 77 engage in the perforations in the stamps, to raise the movable knives 96 to their position shown in Fig. 4 above the stamp slot openings 93 in the stationary knives.

When the links 106 move upwardly for the raising of the movable knives 96 they also move the inner or upper arms of the bell crank levers 110, the stamp kick-off device, inwardly in the machine to their position as shown in Fig. 4, the arms clearing the openings 93 in stationary knives 92 to admit the free passage of the stamps.

It will be noted that as soon as the plates 35 and 38 start forward, the lever 45 will be released and the spring 28 will move the plate 27 to position for closing the coin openings in the cover plate 14.

Then the crank handle 138 is released, the spring 50 will return the shaft 47 to its original position, carrying with it plates 35 and 38, the ends of the bar 83 engaging the pins 82, thereby returning thestamp moving mechanism, as shown in Figs. 13 and 3. I

On the return movement of the arm 49, when the levers 101 move rearwardly in the machine, the notch 108 will engage the roller 141 thereby pulling the sector 98 rearwardly in the machine until the roller 99 passes the point 104 in the cam lever 103 on its rearward movement, whereupon the spring 95 will operate the movable knives 96, forcing them down with a quick snap movement severing the stamps that are projecting over the edge of the stationary knife 92 at 93 at the perforation in the stamps. The action of the knives in being forced down by the springs 95 will carry the link 106 down also. This action will also cause the rearward beveled face 105 of the lever 103 to engage or bear upon the adjacent roller 99 and force the sectors 98 to their original po sition.

During the first part of the movement of the lever 101 rearwardly to prevent the roller 100 from violently throwing the lever 101 upwardly in its quick rearward travel, the roller 100 will enter the opening 109 and during the latter part of said movement, the'forward edge of the opening 109 will ride the roller 100, which will finally clear the edge of the lever 101 and drop into the notch 102, as shown in Fig. 3.

It will be noted that below the rear edge of the sector 98 is a cushioning spring 143 to take the jar of the sudden return of the sector 98.

It will be noted that the movable knives 96 normally stand in lowered position with the cam-faced lever 103 in the position illustrated in Fig. 2.

When the rearward movement of the sector 98 commences, the roller 99 passes the point 104 of each cam lever 103 whereupon the levers 103 drop downwardly, and the knife springs 95 contract. 'The first effect of the lowering of the levers 103 and the links 106 is the lowering of the movable knites 96 a sufficient distance for completely severing the stamps, before the stamp kickoff device is operated. On account of the form of the elongated slots 111, the first part of the downward movement of the links 106 does not affect the stamp kick-off levers 110, and the parts are so arranged,

that immediately after the downward movement of the knives 96, the levers 110 are operated for causing the inner, arms of said levers 110 to engage the stamps and kick them loose, if they had not already fallen. llhe stamp kick-off device is desirable on account of the facts that the static elec-' tricity contained in the stamps or generated during the operation of the machine, or the sticky or gummed condition of the parts. will sometimes cause the stamps to stick to the members 92 or 96, or other parts of the cutting off mechanism after they have been severed by the knives, preventing them from dropping freely. The kick-off device makes it certain that the stamps will always 7 drop through the chute 112.

ll ith the rearward movement of the plates 35 and 38, the arms 55 on the shaft 54 engage the catch members 123, and the shafts 54 are thereby rotated for dropping the coins. As soon as the arms 55 clear the catch members they drop by gravity to their positions shown in Figs. 8 and 11. I

At the beginning of the forward movement of the machine the coin guide supporting plate 27 closes the coin slots in the cover plate 14 by a short rearward movement. The plate 27 remains in that position until the rearward movement of thd plates 35 and 38 is practically completed, when the lug 40 engages the lower arm of the lever 45, forcing it rearwardly thereby forcing the upper arm of the lever 45 forwardly in contact with the downwardly projecting lug on the supportingplate 27 for forcing said plate forwardly to the position shown in Fig. 2, in which position the coin slots in the plate 27 register with the coin slots in the cover plate 14, and in which position the coin guide chutes stand below the openings in the cover plate and over the openings in the coin carriage plates 35 and 38. The machine in all its parts is then in readiness for a new operation.

It will be noted that the machine is operated by the crank handle 138, and that by the movement of this crank handle forward and backward, the parts of the machine, except the coin engaging arms, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and except the stamp feed or stamp moving mechanism, as shown in Fig. 13, are put in action.

And it will be noted that these excepted parts, just referred to, areonly'put in motion when a coin has been deposited between the plates 35 and 38 of the machine inthe position shown in Fig. 8, in which position of the coin it will contact with some one of and 7, depending upon which of the coin slots in the cover plate the coin has been stamp spaces before it engages the arm 137 dropped into. I

If it is desired to purchase five one-cent stamps a five cent piece is dropped into the coin slot 22 in the cover plate 14 which will engage the arm 84 for moving the stamp feed mechanism on the one-cent sidefof the machine five stamp spaces, thereby delivering five one-cent stamps.

If it is desired to buy five twocent stamps, a dime is deposited in the coin slot at of the cover plate 14, and when the machine is operated the coin will contact with the engaging arm 85 and move the stamp feed mechanism on the two-cent side of the machine five stamp spaces.

If it is desired to buy two two-cent stamps and one one-cent stamp, for five cents, the

five cent-coin is deposited into the coinslot 25 of the cover plate 14 and the operation of the parts'is then as follows:

As the plates 35 and 38 move forwardly they move a distance of three stamp spaces before the coin reaches the arm 85. The coin then engages the arm 85 and moves it forwardly one stamp space. Inthe' meantime the flange 88 engages the'crank 87 and raises it to position for engaging the off-set extension 86 of the arm 84 so that when the arm 85 is moved an additional stamp space it carries with it the arm 84, on the onescent stamp side of the machine the distance of one stamp space, whereby thereare delivered two two-cent stamps and one one-cent stamp.

If it is desiredto purchase one one-cent stamp, a penny is deposited in the coin slot 23, the coin carriages 35 and 38 move forward four-stamp spaces when the penny then engages the arm at and then moves forward an additional stamp: space and delivers one one-cent stamp.

The same condition obtains where itis desired to purchase one two-cent stamp as where one one-cent stamp is purchased, only that two pennies are dropped one after the I other in the coin slot 26 which is on the twotaking the place of the arms 84 "and 85V "When, however, a five cent piece is deposited in the coin slot 22 and the machine is operated the coin moves one stamp space before engaging the arm 136. and therefore delivers but four one-cent stamps.

When a five-cent coin is deposited in the coin slot 25, the coin moves through three and then moves two more stamp spaces for the delivery of two two-cent stamps. The extension 133 is long enough so that it does not engage the extension 136 on the other side of the machine during this last described operation.

If a ten-cent piece is deposited in the coin slot 2 1, the plates 35 and 38 move the coin forward one stamp space and then the coin engages the arm 132 which is then moved forward three more stamp spaces. In the meantime the flange 88 engages the projecting portion 134 of the arm 133 and raises it to position for engaging the off-set extension 136 so that when the arm 132 is moved forward anadditional stamp space it carries -with it the arm 136 on the one-cent side of the machine one stamp space, whereby there are delivered four two-cent stamps and oneone-cent stamp.

it will be noted that the coin carriage plates 35 and 38 have a movement forward on the one-cent side of the machine is four stamp spaces, and the distance between the slots 25 and 24 on the two-cent side of the machine is three stamp spaces. The coin slot 23 occupies the same relative position as the coin slotv 23;

One of the important features of my device lies in the construction of the coin selecting means.

In some sections of this country, for instance, along the Mexican border, there are in circulation certain coins of the Mexican Government'very similar in size to certain coins of the United States Government, but of less value. In the manufacture of various commodities where round openings are punched out of parts, this round punching is frequently of the approximate size of the United States coins, also there are in use by various establishments, such as pool halls, billiard halls, saloons and the like, individual trade coins which are of the approximate size of the'United States coins. It is, therefore, necessary that a vending machine of this kind be constructed so as to prevent, as far as possible, the use of coins or punchings or slugs other than the particular coins intended for the operation of this machine.

It may be noted, therefore, that the coin slots in the cover plate 14 are of such size as to determine accurately the maximum thickness and diameter of the coin, and prevent the insertion of a coin or slug thlcker or of greater diameter than the ones for which the slots are designed.

It will also be noted inthis connection that in combination with the slots in the cover plate the shaft member 54 and its notch 56 are so arranged relative tothe coin slots 52 in the coin carriage plate 38, as shown in Fig. 8, that a coin of proper diameter will be held, while a coin or slug or punchof slightly less than the proper or correct diameter will readily slip through and will, therefore, not operate the stamp feed mechanism. r I

My improved stamp vending machine ha a large number of advantages, many of which are obvious from the foregoing description. One difficulty that is experienced gummed surface of the stamps, and to hold the stamps on said strips with the non-heat conducting frame member 65, which also does not collect moisture.

I have found it convenient to use stamps in strips formed into rolls, as shown. When this is done the stamps tend to curl during their delivery from the roll. To partially straighten out the stamps and take the curl out of them, I have provided a straightening roller 73, so arranged that the stamps.

are given a sharp curve in the direction opposite to that in which they tend to curl, just before being delivered into the stamp moving mechanism. In order tohold the stamps fiat and against such tendency to curl, I have provided the non-heat conducting frame member which is held against the stamps with slight yieldlng pressure by means of springs 70.

Another difficulty that is experienced in the making of a'satisfactory stamp vending machine is in obtaining an accurate feed of stamps and to insure their being severed always at the perforations, and this accuracy has been obtained by means of the pawls 77 engaging with the perforations in the stamps over transverse slots 74: in part 74, Figs. 16, 17 and 13, and by which means the stamps are prevented from feeding from parts other than the perforations, and thus insures not only an accurate feed of stamps, but insures their always being cut off at the perforations, and not otherwise. I

attach great importance to this feature of the machine.

Another important advantage in the construction of my machine is the protective device for preventing access to the stamps while in the course of delivery and before they are severed from the main roll.

Another important advantage in the construction of my machine, is that in which the machine is made inoperative when the stamps have been exhausted.

A still'further advantage has been ob tained in my invention of this machine in my device for overcoming static electricity or some sticking substance that would otherwise prevent the stamps from falling to the delivery opening in the machine when cut off, by my stamp kick-off device.

One of the important advantages of my machine is its construction whereby by changing the coin engagingarms the machine can be made to sell stamps at their face value, and by making a slight change in the shape of these arms and in their location a slight profit can be made on the sale of stamps. 7

Another important advantage is the construction and arrangement of the parts, whereby upon the deposit of a single coin,

stamps of different denominations may be delivered.

Another important advantage of my ma-.

chine lies in the construction whereby the place where the coins are inserted in the machine together with the position and form of the coin engaging arms, determines the number of stamps delivered. That is to say,

it will be noted that from the foregoing description, the position of the coins in the coin carriage plates 35 and 38, the coin guide chutes, and the coin entrance slots in Y the cover plate 14L, and the form and position of the coin engaging arms of the stamp feed mechanism, Figs. 13, 6, and 7 ,all combined with relation to the entire path of travel of the coin carriage plates 35 and 38, determine the number of stamps which are to be delivered upon the deposit of a coin. Thus if the coin holding slot mechanism is located near the forwardend of the movable coin carriage plates and a coin is deposited therein, the coin will be in position to operate during the entire movement of the coin carriage. If, on the other hand, the coin holding mechanism is located rearwardly in the coin'carriage, and a coin is deposited therein, the coin will be in position to operate the feed mechanisma part only of the forward movement of the coin carriage. The distance that the stamps move, the number of stamps to be delivered, depends upon the location of the coin holding slot mechanism, and also the form and location of the coin engaging arms in relation thereto.- V f It will also be noted that the location of the coin holding slots and the location and form of the coin engaging arms determine Whether one only or two denominations are to be delivered upon the deposit of a single com.

It; will, oi-course, be understood that it is my intention to cover a machine which can be used either with coins, such as pennies, nickels, dimes, etc, or coin slugs especially intended for the operation of 'my machine,

' and that where I used the word coin in my claims,'I intended to cover any mechanical equivalentswhich might be used for the purpose generally indicated.

It is further to be understood that it is my intention to cover a machine using one or numerous rolls df different denominations forms of structure which may be included within the reasonable scope of my claims.

I claim as my invention.

1. In a stamp vending machine, a slidable member for advancing stamps of one denomination, a second slidable member for advancing stamps of another denomination,

an actuating member adapted when operated to actuate one of said'stamp advancing members, and coacting means on the stamp advancing members whereby the movement of one of said stamp advancing members imparts movement to the other of said stamp advancing members 2. In a stamp vending machine, a slidable member for advancing stamps of one denomination, a second slidable member for advancing stamps of another denomination, an actuating member adapted when operated to actuate one of said stampjadvancing members, and coacting means on the stamp advancing members whereby the movement of one of said stamp advancing members imciency of the movement oiione stamp ad- -vancing member on the other.

parts movement to the. other of said stamp advancing members, said coactmg' means being adjustable for varying the relatlve efli 3. In a stamp vending machine," a stamp advancing device having a projecting member, a second stamp advancing deydce hav in a. projecting member, an actuating device having a series of receiving means for receiving and holding a coin, whereby when the coin is selectively deposited in one of said means and sa1d actuating member 15 i moved, the coil will be caused to contact with one of said projecting members, said projecting members being so arranged that the movement of one of said stamp advancing devices brings the projecting members into coacting relation for imparting movement to the other of said stamp advancing devices.

at. In a device of the class described, a movable carriage, means thereon for engaging and advancing stamps, a movable actuating member, an engaging arm projecting into the path of said member, and means whereby said engaging arm may; be selectively mounted on said movable carriage at different points thereon whereby the movement of said carriage imparted from said member may be determined according to the position of said arm on the carriage.

5. In a device of the class described; a

slidable stamp holding member; asecond slidable member mounted for reciprocating movement; an engaging arm on said first member; and means for mounting said arm at different places on said first slidable memher in the path of the second slidable member.

6. In a stamp vending machine, a stamp advancing device having a projecting meniber, a second stamp advancingdevice having a projecting member, an actuating'device having a series of receivingmeans for receiving and holding a coin, whereby when the coin is selectively deposited in one of said means and said actuating memberis moved, the coin will be caused to contact with one of said projecting members, said projecting members being so arranged that the movement of one of said stamp advancing devices brings the projecting members into coacting relation for imparting movement to the other of said stamp advancing devices, said projecting members being adjustable for thereby determining the degree of movement imparted to the stamp advanc- 111 device from the actuating device.

I. In a vending machine; a movable actuating member; a movable supply advancing device on each side of said meinber, adapted to deliver a predetermined amount of its supply dependent on the movement imparted to it; arms on said devices projected into the path of said member; and means for supporting said arms at difierent points on said devices. j

8. In a stamp vending machine, a main operating shaft, means for holding a supply of stamps, means operatively connected with said shaft for advancing said stamps and discharging them from the machine, said machine having a cischarge opening, a knife adjacent to said opening, and adapted to move across the opening, a lever pivotally mounted at one end. a link pivoted to the free end of said lever, said link being adapted when moved in one direction to move said knife, means for yieldingly drawing the lrnife in the other direction of its movement, a sector plvotally mounted ad acent to sand lever, said lever having a cam face with a ing said cam face, an arm on said operating shaft, a lever pivoted thereto, said sector having projecting members adapted to stand in the path of travel of said last named lever, and to enter said notches, one of said last named members being adapted to enter one of said notches when said operating shaft is moved in one direction tor moving the sector in one direction for causing the cam face or". said first pivot-ally mounted lever to engage the point on the sector for operating said link for moving said knives to position above the stamp discharge opening, tl e other of said last described projecting means on said sector being cesigned to be engaged by another notch on said last described lever, whereby when the arm on the operating shaft is returned to its normal position, the sector will be moved toward its normal position permitting said cam faced lever to move to position for allowing said spring to move said knife quickly across the discharge opening for severing stamps.

9. In a stamp vending machine, means for advancing and discharging stamps of one denomination, means for advancing and discharging starnps of another denomination, means for simultaneously actuating both of said first means, said last means incluoing a movable member having a plurality of coin receiving and holding portions, and means comprising arms adapted to coact with a coin selectively received in one ofsaid portions for causing the operation of the stamp advancing and discharging means.

10. In a. stamp vending machine, means for advancing and discharging stamps oi one denomination, means for advancing and discharging stamps of another denomination, means for simultaneously actuating both of said first means, said last means including a movable member having a plurality of coin receiving and holding portions, means adapted to coact with a coin selectively received in one of said portions for causing the operation of the stamp advancing and discharging means, said last described means being adjustable for determining the number of stamps discharged on the deposit of any certain coin.

11. In a stamp vending machine, a stamp advancing and discharging mechanism for handling stamps of one denomination, a

second stamp advancing and discharging .mechanism for handling stamps of another denomination, a movable actuating member having a plurality of coin receiving portions, arms projected from said respective mechanisms, and adapted to coact with coins selectively received in said portions for actuating said mechanisms independently of each other, armsprojected from the respective mechanisms, one of said last arms being adapted to coact with a coin received in one of said portions when said actuating member is moved and to engage the other of said last arms for actuating the other or" said mechanisms.

12. In a stamp vending machine, a stamp advancing and discharging mechanism for handling stamps of one denomination, a second stamp advancing and discharging mechanism for handling stamps of another means for moving one of said last described arms into position for coacting withthe other of said last described arms when the actuating member is moved.

13. In a stamp vending machine, a stamp advancing and discharging mechanism for handling stamps of one denomination, a second stamp advancing and discharging mechanism for handling stamps of another denomination, a movable actuating member having a plurality of'c'oin receiving portions, arms projected from the respective mechanisms, one of said arms being adapted to coact with a coin received in one-of said portions, for actuating its mechanism when the actuating member is moved, and means on said actuating member for moving said last named arm to position for engaging the other of said armsfor causing the operation of the other of said mechanisms.

Des Moines, Iowa, October 31, 1916. a

J O HAWKINS. 

